National News: Highways Agency advice to drivers in South West and Central England as snow is forecast
Highways Agency advice to drivers in South West and Central England as snow is forecast
Drivers in South West England and the East and West Midlands are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel on Thursday 18 February, as rain moving across those regions from early tomorrow is expected to turn into heavy snow showers.
The Highways Agency, which operates and maintains motorways and major A roads in England, is working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.
The Met Office today issued a severe weather warning that rain will turn increasingly to snow as it moves north-eastwards during Thursday. Snow accumulations of 5 to 10cm are expected to develop quite widely, but especially over hills.
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions, to leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and to delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.
Road users should be prepared with warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, and a shovel in case of snow.
It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so the advice is to allow more room to slow down and stop; avoid losing control of your vehicle because of wheel spin, by using the highest gear possible; and avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.
Road users are advised to listen to local radio travel news or tune into the Highways Agency's Traffic Radio, which is available on DAB Digital Radio or online at www.trafficradio.org.uk.
Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling 08457 504030. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.
The Highways Agency's winter fleet will be out treating motorways and major 'A' roads across the affected regions. Drivers should take care around spreading vehicles and vehicles clearing snow and only overtake if they can do so safely, without driving on any un-cleared snow. These vehicles are performing essential work to help keep roads open and may be traveling at low speed.
Posted Wednesday February 17th 2010
By Highways Agency